Controlling
beryllium inhalation exposures to comply with regulatory levels (2 micro g m(-3) of air) does not appear to prevent
beryllium sensitization and chronic
beryllium disease (CBD). Additionally, it has proven difficult to establish a clear inhalation exposure-response relationship for
beryllium sensitization and CBD. Thus, skin may be an important route of exposure that leads to
beryllium sensitization. A 2000 survey had identified prevalence of sensitization (7%) and CBD (4%) in a
beryllium alloy facility. An improved particulate migration control program, including dermal protection in production areas, was completed in 2002 at the facility. The purpose of this study was to evaluate levels of
beryllium in workplace air, on work surfaces, on cotton gloves worn by employees over
nitrile gloves, and on necks and faces of employees subsequent to implementation of the program. Over a 6 day period, we collected general area air samples (n = 10), wipes from routinely handled work surfaces (n = 252), thin cotton glove samples (n = 113) worn by employees, and neck wipes (n = 109) and face wipes (n = 109) from the same employees. In production, production support and office areas geometric mean (GM) levels of
beryllium were 0.95, 0.59 and 0.05 micro g per 100 cm(2) on work surfaces; 42.8, 73.8 and 0.07 micro g per sample on cotton gloves; 0.07, 0.09 and 0.003 micro g on necks; and 0.07, 0.12 and 0.003 micro g on faces, respectively. Correlations were strong between
beryllium in air and on work surfaces (r = 0.79), and between
beryllium on cotton gloves and on work surfaces (0.86), necks (0.87) and faces (0.86). This study demonstrates that, even with the implementation of control measures to reduce skin contact with
beryllium as part of a comprehensive workplace protection program, measurable levels of
beryllium continue to reach the skin of workers in production and production support areas. Based on our current understanding of the multiple exposure pathways that may lead to sensitization, we support prudent control practices such as use of
protective gloves to minimize skin exposure to
beryllium salts and fine particles.